Can centers Andre Drummond and Jarrett Allen coexist with the Cavaliers?
“Heck no,” former Cavs forward Channing Frye said on NBA TV, before repeating himself. “No, man. Listen, Jarrett Allen is gonna get the bag from Cleveland. Andre Drummond is gonna get traded, it’s his contract year.”
Frye was speaking Friday, not long after Drummond recorded a whopping 33 points and 23 rebounds in a 106-103 home win over the Knicks. It was the Cavs’ first 30-20 game since 2004, when Carlos Boozer did it.
All the while, Allen watched from the bench in street clothes shortly after arriving in a deal with the Nets, which also included small forward Taurean Prince.
Drummond and Allen are both starting-caliber players. Drummond is having an All-Star season. But he also owns an expiring $28.8 million contract.
All of the above makes Drummond appealing to opposing teams.
“He’s gonna go somewhere where he’ll be utilized, probably a playoff team with some good guards, maybe in the West,” Frye predicted.
“You know, injuries happen all the time, but (the Cavs) have too many bigs right now.”
Drummond is 27 years old; Allen just 22. At this point, Drummond is unquestionably the better player. But he may not be the better long-term fit.
That’s especially true when you consider Drummond will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He can simply walk away and the Cavs get nothing.
“If I’m the Cavs, you’re looking to go younger,” Frye said. “Jarrett Allen is an energy guy who’s proven himself in the playoffs. He’s part of the future for that Cavaliers team.”
Frye hinted he doesn’t have any inside information on the Cavs. But many around the league do seem to think Drummond is a goner.
“Drummond is definitely out of Cleveland,” an opposing executive told HoopsHype. “Cleveland wouldn’t give up a first if they didn’t want Allen long-term.”
Frye agreed.
“I could be completely wrong, but if that was me, I say, ‘Hey, thank you Andre Drummond. Now maybe we can get a late first-round pick for you, maybe something else,'” Frye said, playing the role of Cavs GM.
Frye concluded by reiterating that Drummond could be sent to a playoff team, as the Cavs focus on building with Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter Jr., Larry Nance Jr. and others.
The Cavs (6-7) are now off until a Wednesday home game vs. Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, James Harden and the Nets.
Frye’s final season came with the Cavs in 2018-19. He was also a member of the 2016 championship team.
RELATED | Amico: Addition of Jarrett Allen gives Cavs long-term fit in the middle
